Many of us have encountered solar contractors promoting residential solar panel installations at our doors. However, the role of solar contractors extends far beyond just residential rooftops. Commercial solar contractors are instrumental in assisting governments, schools, developers, and communities in transitioning to solar energy.
This article highlights the leading commercial solar contractors driving the shift toward renewable energy.
The Commercial Solar Industry and Its Outlook
The U.S. solar industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with a year-over-year increase of 35% in 2023. Solar energy accounted for nearly half of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the grid last year. Currently, over 10,000 solar contracting companies employ approximately 263,000 individuals. The demand for solar energy continues to rise in commercial, industrial, agricultural, educational, governmental, and nonprofit sectors, fueled by net zero initiatives, evolving regulations, and attractive tax credits.
Commercial solar contractors are essential to the transition to alternative energy sources, offering services in high demand, including:
- Designing, installing, and maintaining high-performance solar energy systems for both existing and new buildings.
- Planning system layouts.
- Measuring and assembling support structures for solar panels.
- Installing solar modules and panels.
- Connecting panels to the electrical grid.
Top 36 Commercial Solar Contractors
Every year, Solar Power World publishes a list of Top Solar Contractors. The 2023 edition featured 420 solar energy providers, including residential, utility, and commercial contractors. To narrow it down, we identified 36 commercial solar contractors with 50 or more employees. Many of these firms are located in California and New York, two states at the forefront of the alternative energy movement.
In total, these contractors collectively installed over half a million new kilowatts (kW) of solar energy in 2022, excluding re-installation, service, and maintenance work.
Here’s a look at the top commercial solar contractors in the U.S.:
| Company | # of Employees | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Sun Solar | 92 | CA |
| AFC Solar | 65 | TX |
| All Energy Solar | 271 | MN |
| American Sentry Solar | 106 | MD |
| Arch Solar | 100 | WI |
| Berkowatts Electric | 125 | NJ |
| Boston Solar | 90 | MA |
| Brooklyn SolarWorks | 70 | NY |
| Creative Energies | 60 | WY |
| Freedom Solar Power | 760 | TX |
| Geoscape Solar | 58 | NJ |
| Got Electric | 85 | MD |
| Harmon Electric | 94 | AZ |
| Harvest Power | 65 | NY |
| ISO Solar | 80 | PR |
| Jefferson Electric | 60 | IN |
| John Mills Electric | 125 | NY |
| M Bar C Construction | 150 | CA |
| M.L. Schmitt | 68 | MA |
| New Era Electric | 50 | CA |
| Positive Energy Solar | 121 | NM |
| Puget Sound Solar | 60 | WA |
| Renova Energy | 300 | CA |
| Renu Energy Solutions | 94 | NC |
| Resolute Performance Contracting | 70 | AZ |
| ReVision Energy | 380 | ME |
| RevoluSun Mountain States | 52 | ID |
| RevoluSun Smart Home | 180 | HI |
| Sandbar Solar | 60 | CA |
| Scudder Solar Energy Systems | 50 | CA |
| Solar by CIR | 150 | NY |
| Solar Holler | 109 | WV |
| Solar States | 54 | PA |
| SUNation Energy | 175 | NY |
| Sunrise Power Solutions | 92 | NY |
| Teichert Solar | 150 | CA |
Freedom Solar Power: A Leader in the Commercial Solar Sector
Headquartered in Austin, TX, Freedom Solar Power started as a small operation in 2007, focusing on installing solar panels for residential clients. Today, it has expanded to 11 offices across five states and serves as a trusted solar partner for major brands such as Whole Foods and Office Depot. With 760 employees, Freedom Solar Power stands as the largest commercial solar contractor in the U.S.
The company offers both residential and commercial services, with its commercial portfolio encompassing solar energy systems for auto dealerships, multifamily housing complexes, educational institutions, healthcare campuses, hotels, restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and retail and office spaces. The range of services includes sales, financing, installation, and ongoing maintenance.